How to Choose Between Shingles and a Metal Roof

A home is the biggest investment that most people make, and a good roof is critical to protecting that investment. The roofing professionals at Alpine Roofing Construction in Fort Worth have years of experience helping homeowners select the best roof type to match the individual setting and architectural style for their home.

Have you ever wanted to know the difference between choosing shingles and metal as your roofing material of choice? Below is a description and comparison of these two popular roofing types.

Shingle Roofing

  • Asphalt shingles are manufactured by coating a heavy paper or fiberglass backing mat with asphalt and then applying a thin layer of colored mineral aggregate.
  • By varying the color and style of the materials used, shingles can be manufactured that imitate the look of slate, tile, or wood.
  • Shingle roofing generally has a lower upfront cost at the time of installation than metal or other roofing materials.
  • The life of shingle roofing products can vary from as little as 12 years in a harsh climate to as long as 25 years if properly maintained in an area with more temperate climate conditions.

Metal Roofing

  • The use of metal as a roofing material is becoming more widespread for use in both residential and commercial roofing applications.
  • Popular options include the well-known standing seam steel panels as well as smaller steel pieces formed to resemble asphalt, tile, or slate.
  • Although the cost of a steel roof is slightly higher than a traditional shingle roof, the long term benefits more than compensate for the additional cost incurred at the time of installation.
  • One important feature of metal roofing is that the panels or shingles may be installed directly on top of an existing roof, reducing the time and waste associated with removal.
  • Steel roofing products can more readily withstand harsh climate conditions and provide more resistance to fire than asphalt shingles.
  • Many steel roofing products have an estimated life of at least 30 to 50 years.

If your current roof is experiencing problems, such as leaks, or is nearing the end of its useful life, call your local Fort Worth roofer, Alpine Roofing Construction, at (817) 409-8975 to schedule an appointment to discuss your roofing options.

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